BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The first new name to commit to UAB head coach Bill Clark is Joseph Roberts, a defensive end from Hewitt-Trussville High School.

Roberts committed on his official visit this weekend. He had been offered by Jacksonville State and Clark and assistant Jody Wright showed interest in the pass rushing defensive end. When Clark took the job at UAB, his staff offered Roberts.

"When we went on the tour and saw the rec center and sleeping quarters, which were awesome, I figured that was the place I needed to be," Roberts said.

Roberts said he had been recruited to UAB by former offensive line coach John Peterson, who left for Akron shortly before Garrick McGee resigned on Jan. 9.

Roberts said UAB coaches want him to beef up to around 235-240 pounds, which he said wouldn't be a problem.

"I'm definitely a pass rusher," Roberts said. "I'm quick off the edge. I run a 4.58 in the 40 (yard dash), so speed was definitely a reason UAB was recruiting me. I've got quick feet and if there's a slow offensive tackle, I'm going to get around him."

Roberts said closeness to home also played a factor. He's good friends with UAB basketball signee Jarvis Calhoun and UAB baseball commit Carter Pharis.

"If people call me a mama's boy, I definitely don't mind that," Roberts said. "I'm far enough to be my own man but close enough to get a home-cooked meal whenever I want."

Roberts said he plans on majoring in communications or public relations so he can go into sales.